The Los Angeles Lakers regarded incredible on Saturday night time, beating their long-time rivals, the Denver Nuggets, on the highway.
It was an excellent night time for a number of stars, most notably Luka Doncic, who went off with 32 factors, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists over his previous good friend Nikola Jokic.
Every part in regards to the Lakers, from the offense to the protection to the power, was all top-notch, and followers beloved what they noticed.
Shannon Sharpe was blown away and made a daring declare on Monday’s “First Take.”
Talking of the Lakers’ potential playoff matchup with the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, Sharpe stated LA would win.
“OKC, KFC, UFC, Lakers in 5,” Sharpe stated.
“OKC, KFC, UFC, Lakers in 5.”
—@ShannonSharpe on the Thunder 😭 pic.twitter.com/jQ0kXzdhTG
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 24, 2025
A couple of weeks in the past, few folks would have predicted the Lakers might beat the Thunder within the postseason.
However lots has modified lately.
Not solely did Doncic come to the group, however the remainder of the roster has change into extra comfy enjoying on each ends of the courtroom.
When Anthony Davis left, numerous LA trustworthy had been anxious that JJ Redick wouldn’t have many choices within the frontcourt and Jaxson Hayes wouldn’t be sufficient.
Nonetheless, Redick has unfold the wealth round and has relied on all the group to step up their protection.
The truth is, Hayes scored simply 4 factors and 4 rebounds on Saturday and the Lakers by no means had an issue with protection.
Their protection was so sturdy, actually, that they had been capable of shut down one of the crucial sensible offensive abilities of all time, Jokic.
Can they try this with the Thunder within the playoffs?
It’ll be powerful, for sure, particularly since OKC has so many threats throughout their roster.
However the Lakers are proving that they’ve their very own set of secret weapons and might thrive on each offense and protection.
NEXT: Analyst Believes Luka Doncic May Be LeBron James’ Greatest Teammate Ever